Mesothelioma Attorneys in Freehold, Toms River, New Brunswick NJ
Asbestos is an umbrella term used to identify six minerals that occur in nature. These minerals are made up of tiny fibers that can be released into the air when disturbed. In humans, asbestos is incredibly dangerous when damaged or disintegrating. It has been linked to mesothelioma and a number of other deadly conditions. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, approximately 120 are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in New Jersey each and every year. While asbestos is known to cause diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, it can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for symptoms to develop. Once it is diagnosed, it’s often too late.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another serious health condition due to exposure to asbestos in New Jersey, it is imperative to seek knowledgeable legal counsel. You may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced New Jersey Asbestos Attorneys at (732) 303-7857 to discuss your case. The lawyers at our firm will work closely with you, devoting time and energy to ensure that your case is handled properly. We will take the time to understand your individual pain, your injuries, and how mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease has affected your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our firm is ready and willing to fight for you to obtain a favorable settlement and if necessary a favorable jury verdict. We assist clients who have suffered harm due to toxic substances and dangerous drugs and defective products in Monmouth County, Middlesex County, Ocean County, Atlantic County, Mercer County, and throughout New Jersey.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a microscopic, naturally occurring fiber material composed of microscopic crystals. The danger of asbestos occurs when the mineral is disturbed. If the mineral is disturbed; by sanding, cutting, fraying or any other method, dust is typically created. When this fiber is inhaled, it can become trapped in the lungs, causing the fibers to accumulate and lead to serious health problems such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that attacks the body and cannot be easily treated. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States.
While in some other countries asbestos has been banned, surprisingly, it is currently not banned in the United States. In 1989, the Toxic Substance Control Act banned many products that contained asbestos, but this Act was overturned in 1991.
Where is Asbestos Used?
Asbestos is able to insulate as well as resist heat, which makes it a great insulator and fire retardant, in addition to helping strengthen products. It does not react with chemicals and does not produce electricity. Asbestos can be found on every continent in the world. Although it has been used for thousands of years, it became increasingly common in the United States by the late 1800s. It was more and more present in various products during the start of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1900s up until the late 1970s. Historically, due to its versatility, it was used in a variety of items. More recently, it was a major component in the construction of buildings, ships, trains, automobiles and planes, among other things, because it was inexpensive and durable.
It is found in many commercial buildings such as schools, hospitals and factories, as well as in privately owned buildings and homes. Surprisingly, it can also be found in transportation vehicles such as ships, trains, planes and automobiles, among other things. The automobile industry used asbestos for many years in products such as brakes, gaskets, clutches, heat seals, hood liners, insulation, and engine components.
What Products may Contain Asbestos?
Products that contain asbestos may include:
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Roofing materials
- Shingles
- Insulation
- Paint
- Heating or steam pipe insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Boilers
- Cement roof sheeting
- Joint Compound
- Brakes
- Caulk
- Gloves
Should I be Worried about the Dangers of Asbestos?
Estimates suggest that over 10,000 people die of asbestos-related conditions in the U.S. every year. Typically, the types of workers who are at risk are painters, welders, construction workers, electricians, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters, firefighters, roofers, factory workers, mechanics, engineers, and other repair and maintenance jobs prior to 1980. Additionally, asbestos exposure may occur when a worker brings their clothes home and the dust gets into the family home or car. This is known as asbestos take-home exposure.
Asbestos cannot be accurately identified by the naked eye because it comes in various shapes, sizes and colors, and frequently is mixed with other materials. The only way to know for certain if asbestos is present is to have a professional inspect it and submit a sample for testing to an accredited asbestos laboratory. If you plan on renovating your home, or think you may be working with a product that contains asbestos, you should bring in a professional to take samples of the material so it may be tested. The best advice is to leave it alone, and if you are planning on working or removing something that contains asbestos, professionals should handle it.
Find out if You Have an Asbestos Claim in NJ
Being diagnosed with lung cancer, mesothelioma, or another disease after exposure to asbestos is devastating. Whether you or a loved one came into contact with asbestos at work, in your home, or in another manner, you have rights. Contact a knowledgeable NJ Asbestos Attorney to discuss your potential for a lawsuit. We will fight for maximum compensation for your medical costs, time off from work, permanent disability, and pain and suffering. Please call (732) 303-7857 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Our law firm will represent you on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe this firm a single dime. Our firm understands that mesothelioma or an asbestos related disease can cause tremendous financial strain. Therefore, you will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover a monetary award on your behalf. If you or someone you know is in need of an aggressive but compassionate team of lawyers who will fight for justice on your behalf, call our New Jersey asbestos attorneys now at (732) 303-7857 or fill out an online form to arrange a free consultation.
